BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans all have the same reaction to Anton Du Beke's Movie Week outfit
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has undergone a special makeover for Movie Week - but fans were left convinced he looked just like a former pro
by Zoe Delaney · ChronicleLiveStrictly Come Dancing audiences had to do a double-take tonight, as judge Anton Du Beke unveiled an extraordinary transformation.
The Strictly stalwart, aged 59, embraced his inner male model with a look straight out of Adam Sandler's portrayal of the iconic Derek in the cult hit Zoolander. However, not everyone caught on straightaway - some viewers were firmly under the impression Anton was channelling a past Strictly professional dancer.
On Twitter one viewer quipped, "I need everyone to know that my mum thought Anton Du Beke was Brendan Cole. #scd #strictly," as the show got underway earlier this evening. Another shared on Instagram: "I thought Anton was Brendan Cole for a minute," supported by another who wrote: "NOT ANTON AS ZOOLANDER."
Brendan graced the BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing floor for the initial 15 series until he revealed in January 2018 that the show would not be renewing his contract. In the inaugural 2004 series, Brendan's dance partner was none other than BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, with the duo ultimately winning the coveted Glitterball trophy.
Theres a noticeable absence during Movie Week, as DIY SOS lead Nick Knowles had to withdraw from performing in Strictly Come Dancing's second live show of the anniversary 20th series due to sustaining an injury. The 62 year old, along with his dance partner Luba Mushtuk, was set to delight fans with a Charleston to the tune of Rain On The Roof from Paddington 2 for movie week, reports the Mirror.
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A post to Strictly's Instagram page on Friday confirmed, "Unfortunately, Nick Knowles sustained an injury during rehearsals and as a result, will not dance this weekend. As per the rules of the competition, Nick and Luba (Mushtuk) will receive a bye through to next week when he is hopefully able to dance again. Everyone at Strictly Come Dancing wishes Nick a speedy recovery."
Other professionals from Strictly showed support in response to the news, with Lauren Oakley commenting, "Get better soon."
The BBC has withheld specific details regarding the nature of Knowles' injury. The television personality had previously disclosed that he hurt his arm and shoulder but was given the go-ahead to perform last weekend after medical consultation.
Nick announced after the series' first live show on September 23 that he had suffered an injury while changing a tyre. In a later appearance on the BBC Strictly spin-off show 'It Takes Two', sporting a sling, he elaborated on sustaining the "painful" injury en route to a family gathering for his birthday on September 22.
Before his performance last weekend, Nick shared in a video posted to X, apparently standing in for Twitter, that despite a "tough week" he was "very excited" to take to the floor and noted his shoulder was "getting stronger every day". Head judge Shirley Ballas praised the achievement of Nick and Luba for delivering a commendable American smooth to Blur's Parklife with only 16 hours of rehearsal, labelling it "absolutely amazing".
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